Drive away from fraud
EDMONTON, March 1, 2017 /CNW/ - An unbeatable price on a used car may be hard to walk away from, but this Fraud Prevention Month Alberta's automotive regulator is reminding consumers to think twice before signing a deal that's too good to be true.
Throughout the month of March, AMVIC and the Competition Bureau's Fraud Prevention Forum will be offering tips and information on how to recognize, reject and report fraud. AMVIC has joined the Fraud Prevention Forum partners in their mission to raise awareness.
"An informed consumer who is prepared to ask questions is exactly what curbers and fraudsters do not want," Lynette MacLeod, AMVIC manager of communications and education said.
A curber is someone who is selling vehicles illegally to consumers without the proper AMVIC sales licence. Curbers typically sell vehicles that have hidden damage, are odometer-tampered and are possibly even stolen to unsuspecting buyers. Buyers usually find that when problems surface the seller cannot be found or offers no help.
"A deal that seems too good to be true is just one of many signs that you may be dealing with a curber," MacLeod said. "The low-cost, low-kilometer vehicle may seem really attractive but it could be a sign of odometer fraud."
AMVIC is sharing tips to help consumers recognize, reject and report fraud every week this month. Consumers can subscribe to AMVIC's mailing list to receive the weekly e-bulletins.
Join the conversation online: Follow AMVIC and #FPM2017 on Twitter and Facebook for more tips from Alberta's automotive regulator and other Fraud Prevention Forum partners.
About AMVIC: The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) is a regulatory organization authorized by the Minister of Service Alberta to enforce and administer the following legislation in relation to automotive business: the Fair Trading Act; the Automotive Business Regulation; the Cost of Credit Disclosure Regulation, and the Internet Sales Contract Regulation. AMVIC's mandate is to provide consumer protection in Alberta's motor vehicle industry. AMVIC publishes valuable information and tips for consumers, businesses and salespeople at amvic.org.
SOURCE Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC)
Media inquiries may be directed to: Lynette MacLeod, Communications and Education Manager, Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council, 780-468-0476, [email protected]
Share this article